2017 NFL mock draft: Panthers upgrade their running game

Luke Easterling of Draft Wire compiled another full three-round mock draft and this one might be the best one yet for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers find not only their running back, but an offensive tackle and a pass rusher. All three could be expected to start Week 1 if necessary and would open up free agency for Carolina to better pick and choose players that fit their scheme over immediate needs.

Without further ado, let’s get to the actual selections.

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First round: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

“Jonathan Stewart isn’t getting any younger and he’s struggled with injuries. The Panthers have bigger needs elsewhere, but the chance to add a rare talent like Fournette who fits their smash-mouth running style so well might be too hard to pass up.”

Easterling is completely right here. Veteran running back Jonathan Stewart has either been injured or ineffective for some time now and that just doesn’t cut it when you are among the top-paid rushers in the NFL. It’s time for a change of scenery there and for the Panthers to get a big back to make defenses pay again.

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Second round: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

I haven’t been very high on Robinson for the first round of this draft and by the looks of his placement in this mock draft, the rest of the NFL isn’t either. While Robinson has the physical tools necessary to become a capable starter in the NFL, I just don’t see him dominating on film in both the run game and pass protection. That’s in addition to his off-field problems that will undoubtedly give teams some pause.

Robinson would likely come in and play on the right side unless he dominates during training camp or Michael Oher is still unable to play due to his concussion. At which point, Robinson can play the left side but will probably struggle more initially.

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Third round: Derek Rivers, EDGE, Youngstown State

Rivers is a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds and he has a motor to match. However, where Rivers dips down is in the technique department. Rivers doesn’t have a great pass-rushing move that gets him into the backfield, despite the tenacity and sizing to be a serious threat.

Either Rivers will need to bulk up to develop a stronger bull rush, or he’ll have to create an array of moves to utilize his motor better. Either way, he’s still disruptive as is and has a high ceiling that Carolina should be excited about.

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Rivers will likely factor into a rotation early on with veteran Charles Johnson likely moving on this offseason. With some time and coaching, Rivers could very well become a starter on defense shortly.